Oceanside and Carlsbad, CA are known for having moderate climate. The summer temperatures rarely get above the mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit with the lowest winter temperatures being around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that homeowners have several options for finding the best air conditioning system for their homes.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps present a great option for individuals residing in moderate climates, offering a low-maintenance cooling solution if their homes have ductwork. Installing air-source heat pumps might incur a slightly higher cost than forced air central air conditioning. However, the operating and maintenance costs remain very low.
Defining a Heat Pump
A heat pump operates by transferring heat energy from one location to another rather than relying on burning fuel to generate heat. During winter, a heat pump can extract outside heat and introduce it into the home to heat water or the air. Conversely, when cooling the home, the heat pump extracts heat from the home and replaces it with cooled air.
The Cooling Process of a Heat Pump
A heat pump comprises an evaporator and a condenser coil with these coils being interconnected between the outdoor and indoor units. Refrigerant travels through the evaporator and condenser coil. When the refrigerant is in the indoor coils, it remains cool. The system pulls air into the coils and pushes it over these cooled coils. The heat from the air is transferred into the refrigerant, causing it to heat up. The heated refrigerant then travels back to the outdoor coils to release the heat, and the process starts anew. Concurrently, the fans in the heat pump propel cold air into the home’s duct system.
What sets a heat pump apart from other HVAC systems is its ability to both heat and cool a home. When set to cool the home, it uses the interior coils as evaporator coils and the external coils as condenser coils. During the winter months, it reverses this process with the outdoor coil functioning as the evaporator coil and the indoor coil acting as the condenser coil carrying the warm refrigerant.
How Do Heat Pumps Work in the Oceanside and Carlsbad Climate?
While heat pumps can work in extremely cold and extremely warm climates, they are best suited for areas that have moderate temperatures. The efficiency of a heat pump will vary based on the temperature range that is determined based on the system you purchase. Most air source heat pumps become less efficient when the temperature drops below -13 degrees or when the temperatures rise well above 90 degrees. This doesn’t mean that heat pumps cannot cool your home when the temperatures outside are over 90 degrees; it will just take the heat pump several hours to bring the ambient temperature down to a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat pumps effectively cool the inside temperature around 20 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature. This means that heat pumps are very effective in areas with moderate climates like Oceanside and Carlsbad.
Pros and Cons of Using a Heat Pump in Oceanside and Carlsbad
The biggest pro of using a heat pump in and around Oceanside and Carlsbad, CA is that they are extremely economical when used in milder climates. Heat pumps do a great job of evenly distributing heat throughout the house. They cycle on and off a lot less than an air conditioner. During mild winter conditions, a heat pump can be used to heat the home.
The number one con is the expense. The initial installation and purchase of a heat pump will be considerably more than what you would pay if you installed a forced air conditioner. However, since heat pumps are more efficient, they will cost a lot less to run, saving you money during the heat pump’s lifespan.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioning units provide a luxurious cooling option and are capable of effectively cooling all rooms in your home simultaneously.
Defining Central Air Conditioning
A central air conditioner consists of two units. There is the condenser coil, which is located outside the home. There is also an evaporator unit, which is inside the home. Refrigerant tubing connects these two units. The condensing unit generates cooled air, which is then pushed into the evaporator unit. The evaporator unit distributes cold air throughout the home via the home’s duct system.
The Cooling Process of an Air Conditioner
Central air conditioning operates through two simultaneous processes. One process is outside the home, and one is inside the home. Inside, warm air is cooled as it passes over the evaporator coil filled with cooled refrigerant. The heat from the indoor air is absorbed into the refrigerant, causing it to evaporate from liquid to gas.
The refrigerant gas is then compressed before being pushed into the outdoor unit. Heat is released outside as the refrigerant turns to liquid, and a large fan pulls outdoor air through the outdoor coil, expelling the heat absorbed from the house.
Pros and Cons of Using an Air Conditioner in Oceanside and Carlsbad
Due to the milder climates in Oceanside and Carlsbad, a properly sized central air conditioner has no trouble keeping the home comfortable during the summer. Moreover, as it is connected to your home’s HVAC system and filters, air conditioning can enhance indoor air quality.
Humidity can be an issue in these areas, and an air conditioner is a reliable way to control it. Excess humidity can impact health and potentially lead to mold growth and wood rot.
However, there are disadvantages to using an air conditioner, such as high energy bills. Traditional central air conditioners consume more energy compared to heat pumps. While energy-efficient air conditioners are available, installing an air conditioner generally results in increased energy expenses. Air conditioners efficiently remove moisture from the air, which can cause skin dryness, but this can be mitigated with the application of moisturizer. Additionally, air conditioners have more moving parts than heat pumps, potentially necessitating more frequent maintenance and higher maintenance costs.
Comparing Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps: Choosing the Right Option for Your Home
Living in a stable, moderate climate offers the advantage of various choices for heating and cooling your home. When determining whether a heat pump or an AC unit is best, consider personal factors and aspects of your home.
Many residents in Oceanside and Carlsbad, California, opt for a heat pump due to its versatility in both heating and cooling the home. In contrast, a conventional AC unit can solely cool the air.
Heat pumps have a higher upfront expense, while central air conditioning systems tend to have a slightly lower installation cost. However, during rare occasions when temperatures peak above the 90s, a central air conditioning system can effectively handle the spike in outdoor temperatures, which a heat pump might struggle with. Ultimately, when deciding between a heat pump and an air conditioner, it’s essential to consider your home’s long-term energy efficiency needs.
The Best Heating and Air Conditioning in San Marcos
At Oak Island Heating and Air Conditioning, we have provided expert HVAC services since 1998. We take our customer’s comfort seriously. We are Better Business Bureau accredited and are proud to employ NATE-certified technicians. All our employees have received the best training the HVAC industry offers.
Our services include HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. We offer ductless mini-splits and heat pumps. We perform indoor air quality testing, provide HVAC zoning, and install humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and scrubbers. Contact Oak Island Heating and Air Conditioning today to work with your local HVAC experts.
